Question

Which statement best describes how a catalyst increases the rate of a reaction?

(1) The catalyst provides an alternate reaction pathway with a higher activation energy.
(2) The catalyst provides an alternate reaction pathway with a lower activation energy.
(3) The catalyst provides the same reaction pathway with a higher activation energy.
(4) The catalyst provides the same reaction pathway with a lower activation energy.

Answer 1

A catalyst "provides an alternate reaction pathway with a lower activation energy". (2) is the correct answer.

Activation energy is the energy needed to conduct a chemical reaction. When a catalyst is put into the system, it makes the system require less activation energy, making the reaction go faster.

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